n crazy store n Paris! I cut em up n made it y’all. N did my ow hair n makeup.” And lest you scoff, the old fishnet-on-the-head trick is actually startlingly similar to the fencing masks that Viktor & Rolf sent down the runway in 2008. So what do you think
I am one of the biggest advocates you will find of keeping skin healthy now so you don’t have to resort to surgery or needles later so you’ll look young. For me, that means washing my face every night, keeping my skin moisturized – face, neck and chest, – and wearing sunscreen, rain or shine. So a headline over at Yahoo definitely piqued my interest: 5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin. A few of the tips were not so surprising – getting enough rest and being a serious runner – were things I already knew about. But hearing about the dangers of tap water and steam rooms were interesting to learn about. But I would definitely add to the first tip about getting your prescriptions for your eyes up to date. The idea is that if you have to squint with your glasses or contacts, then you may be contributing to fine lines around your eyes. I would definitely add in the necessity for wearing sunglasses! Not only are you likely to squint less with shade for your eyes, but when you wear large frames like Jennifer Aniston’s in this picture, then you are protecting that delicate tissue around your eyes even further – if you have sunglasses with UV protection. You don’t have to get expensive sunglasses in order to have UV protection. Just make sure you read the description on the sunglasses carefully and always opt for 100% UV protection. It is better for your eyes, to help prevent cataracts, and it is better
Yes, this picture of Jessica Biel is from awhile back. And, yes, I’m sure the fact that her undergarments were showing was some sort of brilliantly calculated designer choice. She looks lovely, why wouldn’t she want to show off her granny panties? Actually – it looks more like she is wearing some sort of control-top, Spanx-like underwear. You know, the kind that sucks in your tummy too. Stars! They’ re just like us!
Here’s the thing: Sometimes we try on dresses in fitting rooms or even at home and we don’t realize the transparency of the dress until we are out in less forgiving lighting. Maybe that is what happened to Jessica. But even if she knew her dress was sheer that doesn’t mean that we all want to wear sheer dresses. In fact, I would argue that most of the dresses we wear these days could use a little help….hence the title of this post, Ode to
I love wearing dresses and skirts. And these days I can really stock up on them because most of the dresses I get are from trendy, affordable stores – like Forever 21 or H&M or Old Navy. Which is great BUT there is a reason these garments are so wallet-friendly: Usually, they are cheaply made. I don’t buy a dress from one of these places and think it’s going to last forever. In fact, I usually buy dresses from there so I can embrace a current trend without investing too much money in a look that might be fleeting in the fickle world of fashion. But herein lies the problem: they are cheaply made and most likely don’ t have
Not to sound like a crotchety old lady….but I don’t want you to see my crotch. And I most certainly don’t want to see yours. And chances are, you don’t want me to either. Which is why I consider this to be a public service announcement:
INVEST IN A SLIP
Invest in a couple. Buy a few half-slips in a few different colors – nude, black, white. They are affordable at places like Target and if you want to get fancy you can pick one up at a lingerie store. It is kind of amazing what this thin piece of fabric can do to camouflage what’s under your thin piece of fabric dress. With so many of us embracing dress-wearing by buying them from affordable places, it makes sense to kick it old school and wear a slip. It is just a little tool th
I am a huge fan of a messy bun. Maybe it stems from my days of dance classes growing up or maybe it comes from not always taking the time to “do” my hair every morning. Whatever it is, most days you can find me with my hair in a bun. I have quite the assortment of bobby pins of all shapes, styles and colors….and now I don’t know what to do with them….
The package comes with two spin pins but since my hair is so thin, I’ve only needed to use one to keep my bun in place. One pin! Normally I use five or 6 bobby pins and they fall out throughout the day and I have to constantly restyle. But with the Spin Pin I take my hair, twirl it into a bun and then take my Spin Pin and twist it up into the bun from the bottom like it’ s a cork
And I’m done. It is unbelievably simple and holds into place remarkably well. Women with thicker hair – I’m looking at you, Melissa – will probably need to use both pins but, still, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it. Plus! You aren’t limited to just creating a “messy bun” – you can do several different up-dos with ease. I have several weddings to attend in the next few months…guess how I’m doing my hair….
Has anyone else tried the Spin Pin yet? Are you loving it as much as me? Or did it not work for you? I’m curious! Let us know with a comment…
I’ve written about my love for ModCloth.com before – basically, it’s a great site for a little “online window shopping,” with tons of cute, vintage-inspired dresses, coats, shoes and home decor.
But today, I found myself particularly enamored of a couple of rather unusual pieces of jewelry:
So cute, right!? The Leave It to Cleaver necklace is a fun way to add a bit of edge to any outfit (and, as the box says, it offers “serious cleavage”), while Ring Arthur gives you the unique thrill of wearing a bit
There is one ring that I love that is only $20 today – that is a steal!! If you love jewelry, then you have to check out the artistry of Wendy’s designs. These are truly unique pieces that you’ll get tons of compliments on – Wendy Culpepper has a major celebrity following and has been featured in some of your favorite magazines and tv shows and movies.
Just goes to show that you don’t need a lot going on in terms of detailing or accessories – you just need to create a compelling combination of elements.
Keep the rest of your makeup and accessories to an absolute minimum (I think Salma could have added some red polish without going over the top, but she looks lovely with nude nails too), and you’re ready for some hot summer nights!
Maybe it’s because today is the first day of summer. Maybe it’s because I need to update my sandal collection. Maybe it’s because they are on sale. Or maybe it is just because they are so darn pretty. Whatever the reason is, I’m obsessed with these gladiator sandals from Yosi Samara. The cutout details in the leather give these sandals an old-world vibe that is irresistible. The detail of the gold trim on the heel give them a look that totally justifies being worn on more “formal” occasions and yet the brown leather keep them versatile for more casual outfits. And the price is totally reasonable for a sandal that can do so much. My birthday is tomorrow…maybe I should treat myself! What do you think of them? Do they look perfect to you too? Or is it just the summer heat talking
If you’re a music fan, you’re already familiar with Coachella, the 3-day outdoor music festival that takes places every spring in Indio, California. Some of the biggest names in music come out to play (this year’s headliners were Jay-Z, Muse and Gorillaz), as well as a host of up-and-coming bands for you to enjoy with, oh, 75,000 or so of your closest friends. Of course, Indio’s close proximity to Los Angeles, coupled with the party vibe of the festival, means that celebs always come out in droves. Since dressing well in warm weather has always been a challenge for me, I was interested to see what kinds of fashion statements they would be rocking as the desert temperatures edged toward the triple digits last weekend. Here are a few of my faves…
Camilla Bell plays it sweet with a floral print dress and white crochet cardigan, then toughens it up with her brown motorcycle boots. Accessories are casual - big sunglasses and arms full of chunky bangles.
Rachel Bilson looks positively adorable in her cuffed denim shorts, loose tank top and summer-ready sandals. Her backpack is roomy enough to hold all of her festival essentials, and she continues the big sunglasses trend, in the interest of both anonymity and eye protection, no doubt.
True, the look is a little "out there," but hats off to Dita Von Teese for finding a way to keep her signature vintage glamourpuss aesthetic going at a 3-day rock concert in the desert! Here, she rocks high-waisted navy blue sailor pants with large white cuffs and a white bustier tank top with - you guessed it - big sunglasses. She even has her trademark perfect hair and makeup in place! Now that is commitment.
(If you ever need a pair of hot pink skull-shaped earrings festooned with bows and fake jewels, look no further!) When it was announced that TT would be unveiling a line of cosmetics exclusively for Sephora, fans assumed that her makeup would be in keeping with that punk-glam aesthetic, and one glance at
Everything from lip gloss to eyeshadow comes in fun, embellished packaging, and there are even two accessories (a bracelet and a flower clip). The boudoir-ready Sparklicity Shimmer Dust, which can be spritzed onto both hair and body for a beautiful gleam, is already emerging as a cult favorite.
Happy New Year, Latest Beauty lovers! Has anyone else noticed how optimistic people are about 2010? It seems like the general consensus on the facebook statuses I’ve seen is that everyone thinks this is going to be a great year. That this will be “their year.” I love it! And I love thinking about how to make 2010 a great year in fashion. One of my favorite trends that is coming back in 2010 is the chandelier earring. These were popular a few years back and now Harper’s Bazaar is touting them as one of the big trends to look forward to seeing in 2010. I love the idea of putting my hair in a messy bun, throwing on a t-shirt and jeans and slipping some fancy chandelier earrings on for a finishing touch. They add a bit of pizazz to any outfit!
There are only 10 days left until 2009 disappears into the ether of history and 2010 is upon us, so without any further ado, here is the final installment in my series of posts on the biggest trends of the year. Today, we will cover the most notable nail fad of ‘09, the wild hair trend sparked by a certain Gossip Girl, and the fashion trick that’s fit for a First Lady.
BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?
HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last Latest Trends post, in which Lindsay Lohan is shown rocking the look.) I would describe it as Brigitte Bardot meets a serious case of bedhead. The New York Times even likens it to “the ‘Rachel’” of the ’00s - in other words, the defining women’s hairstyle of the decade, just as Jennifer Aniston’s updated Friends shag was the ‘do of the ’90s. And if you lack the natural length necessary, don’t fret - there’s always extensions!
FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!
Surely you’ve heard by now that Sex and the City 2 will be hitting theaters in 2010, and no matter how you felt about the storylines and character development in the last movie, you’ll probably want to know what Carrie & Co. are wearing. The above image of Sarah Jessica Parker/Carrie Bradshaw in a comfy-looking white jersey dress and fabulous gold accessories is probably already familiar to you if you’ve seen the film’s promo poster, and it could be an easy one to duplicate - even if you’re on a budget. Start by throwing on a short-sleeved white dress that nips in at the waist and has a scoop or V-neck to show off those amazing collarbones. This See by Chloe pleated jersey dress will do the job nicely, and it’s marked down from $470 to $141, making it surprisingly affordable as well. Next, you’ll need a cool statement necklace; I love this Twining Snake Necklace from Rock Paper Scissors Jewelry ($49). While Carrie’s handbag is a structured gold clutch, this shiny gold wristlet from Express has the same feel for just $15.75, and a pair of glittery gold platform heels from Wet Seal will up your footwear glamour quotient for under $25. And, finally, the piece de resistance - a pair of gold mirrored aviator shades - can be purchased from Amazon.com for the astonishingly low price of $6.99 for a 3-pack!
What do you think of Carrie’s look? Are you excited for SATC 2?
Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a great Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday! We’re edging closer to the end of the year here, so I’d like to take this opportunity to observe a few of the latest trends that have been popping up in fashion, beauty and hair. Here are three of my favorites:
FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21.
HAIR: Shampooing less often. In the December issue of Glamour magazine, hair guru Oscar Blandi recommends shampooing no more than twice a week. Apparently, this practice “keeps hair healthy” - not to mention the fact that your scalp’s natural oils will make your hair much easier to style. If you’re concerned about smelling like, well, unwashed hair, rest assured that your locks will adapt over time as you start to shampoo them less - and in the meantime, why not try a dry shampoo? They come in a wide range of prices and scents, and you can buy them in a powder that you shake on or a simple spray for convenience and portability. Professional hairdressers seem to swear by dry shampoo - and you can even make your own low-budget version with cornstarch if you’re watching your wallet!
BEAUTY: Lining the inner rims of your eyes. As modeled by the lovely Olivia Wilde, lining the inner rims of your eyes (i.e., the “waterline”) with a soft pencil will throw the whites of your eyes into sharp relief, really making them “pop.” Several companies are making super skinny eyeliner pencils just for this purpose, but it’s easy to do with any eyeliner as long as you take the time to sharpen and then soften the point beforehand. (Try running the tip on your hand or on a Kleenex before beginning.) Line slowly to avoid poking yourself in the eye, and stop immediately if you feel any irritation. Unfortunately, this look probably won’t work for contact lens wearers or ladies with especially sensitive eyes. But it sure looks pretty, doesn’t it?
Tomorrow is Halloween and chances are you’ve been invited to a costume shindig. But, if you’re anything like me, you might be scrambling for a last minute costume idea. Or if you are like my friend and you are having a “recessionista” Halloween, you might be shopping your own closet. Either way, you can still throw together a clever costume and be the hit of your Halloween bash!
Deviled Egg
Finding a pair of devil horns is pretty ubiquitous this time of year. You can visit most drugstores and score a pair on the cheap. You may even have a pair stuffed in the closet from Halloweens past. Well dig them out and you can have one of the easiest and most fun costumes at your party. What you’ll need to be a deviled egg:
1. A white t-shirt and white pants
2. A yellow oval that you can affix to your shirt
3. Your devil horns
When I did this last year, I just printed out a yellow oval shape off of my computer. I cut out the oval, safety-pinned it to my shirt and threw on my devil horns. And then I made people guess what I was. It was pretty funny to hear all the theories and once they figured it out, it made a lasting impression!
Bubblegum on the Bottom of a Shoe
CVS has cheap wigs for less than $5 right now. I bought myself a pink wig and I’m going as “bubblegum on the bottom of a shoe.” I’ll wear my wig, throw on a cute pink dress and attach a lightweight flip flop to my wig. Voila! Bubblegum.
Vampire
There is nothing hotter than being a vampire these days. From Twilight to True Blood to Vampire Diaries, our idea of what a vampire looks like is shifting. You don’t necessarily need fangs to pull off the vampire look. Vampires are generally still sexy though, so pull out that outfit you feel hottest in. Do you have some foundation that is too light for your complexion? That will help with your “undead” look. Apply it to your face and neck, define your eyes with some smoky eyeliner and put on some red lipstick for good measure. Classic!
In light of yesterday’s post, thought these two images were interesting:
Shakira has a SheWolf in the closet and a leopard print scarf around her neck. The ever-impeccable Kate Moss opted for a leopard print jacket. Just a few more examples of how you can work animal print into your wardrobe this fall!
Ah, fall fashion. I do love summer, but fall will always be my favorite season, and nothing is more exciting than when the fall collections finally start hitting the stores. Every year around this time I compile a list of the must-have accessories I need for September, October and November - and it just so happens that this year, all of my favorites so far can be found at Old Navy, so you know they’re wallet-friendly in addition to being cute. Here are my top three autumn essentials:
On the left, we have a slouchy faux-leather hobo, which looks far more expensive than the $24.50 it actually costs. The material looks soft and buttery, I love the added interest of the braided strap and the subtle metal hardware, and - above all else - I adore the berry-wine color, Plummy Mummy. It also looks roomy enough to hold everything without crossing over into “Hi, I live out of my bag!” territory. Next, we have a fun spin on flats: The studded moccasin, in a lovely shade of smoky teal called Lake Victoria - on sale for just $20. Moccasins are often associated with summer, but the suede and moody color palette help these transition smoothly into fall. Can’t you just picture these with opaque black tights and a short skirt, or some corduroy pants? So cute! Finally, we have a simple sueded belt ($19.50) with a metal ring closure and a few studs for good measure. And, yes, that’s Plummy Mummy - the same shade as the bag! Not saying you have to match them, but it might be cute if you did…particularly if you were wearing an all-black ensemble. So what do you think? Will these make your must-have list for fall?
The Hollywood Intuition line at Target has hit stores and I am loving the selection of bags and accessories. I am particularly loving these 4-in-1 cosmetic bags in a faux snakeskin and funky colors. What a perfect way to organize your makeup and brushes! They would work especially well when traveling…and they are only $12.99. Sign me up!
I don’t know, Urban Outfitters…snake skin tights?? I mean, yes, snake skin is pretty cool on bags and shoes for a little rock-n-roll edge. And, yes, tights are an accessory. But I’m afraid that if I saw someone wearing these as an everyday-kind-of -accessory, I would be concerned that they were either severely abused and bruised or suffering from some sort of skin disease. Admittedly, these would be awesome for an Adam and Eve-themed Halloween costume…you would need four people to be part of the theme - Snake, Apple, Adam, Eve. If you wanted to get crazy you could toss in a fifth person as God. But otherwise, I don’t know if snake skin tights have a place in fashion. But that’s just my opinion…what do you think?
Cameron Diaz looked pretty and fresh at Comic Con over the weekend. I love how her vest adds polish and a dimension of cool to an otherwise simple outfit. Not sure about the boots, since I’m pretty sure it was hot in San Diego, but the long white tank, perfectly blue denim and berry colored lips are something I want to try out in my wardrobe soon. I like this corduroy vest from Old Navy because it looks casual enough to pull off in the summer and the moody gray lets it transition easily into fall.
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Sephora, fans assumed that her makeup would be in keeping with that punk-glam aesthetic, and one glance at
Happy New Year, Latest Beauty lovers! Has anyone else noticed how optimistic people are about 2010? It seems like the general consensus on the facebook statuses I’ve seen is that everyone thinks this is going to be a great year. That this will be “their year.” I love it! And I love thinking about how to make 2010 a great year in fashion. One of my favorite trends that is coming back in 2010 is the chandelier earring. These were popular a few years back and now Harper’s Bazaar is touting them as one of the big trends to look forward to seeing in 2010. I love the idea of putting my hair in a messy bun, throwing on a t-shirt and jeans and slipping some fancy chandelier earrings on for a finishing touch. They add a bit of pizazz to any outfit!
BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?
HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last 
FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!
character development in the last movie, you’ll probably want to know what Carrie & Co. are wearing. The above image of Sarah Jessica Parker/Carrie Bradshaw in a comfy-looking white jersey dress and fabulous gold accessories is probably already familiar to you if you’ve seen the film’s 
it could be an easy one to duplicate - even if you’re on a budget. Start by throwing on a short-sleeved white dress that nips in at the waist and has a scoop or V-neck to show off those amazing collarbones. This 
FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21. 
Shakira has a SheWolf in the closet and a leopard print scarf around her neck. The ever-impeccable Kate Moss opted for a leopard print jacket. Just a few more examples of how you can work animal print into your wardrobe this fall!
The 
I don’t know, Urban Outfitters…
Cameron Diaz looked pretty and fresh at Comic Con over the weekend. I love how her vest adds polish and a dimension of cool to an otherwise simple outfit. Not sure about the boots, since I’m pretty sure it was hot in San Diego, but the long white tank, perfectly blue denim and berry colored lips are something I want to try out in my wardrobe soon. I like this 
